Muslims Declare Jihad on Extremism

More than 30,000 Muslims are planning to gather in the English
countryside, raise the Union Jack and form a human chain during
which they will re-affirm their rejection of violence and
extremism.

Each member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will renew a
century-old pledge to practice Islam purely as a religion of
peace.

Members from more than 50 countries will unite, as they have
done annually, to declare that service to one's country, good
citizenship and loyalty are acts of faith.

The three day festival of faith - Jalsa Salana - is the
45th annual UK convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community, a global Islamic movement that is acknowledged for its
commitment to peace. Ahmadiyya Muslims reject violent jihad as a
gross misunderstanding and instead view jihad as a moral crusade to
improve one's own faith.

Politicians, faith and community leaders will address delegates
at the event in Hampshire which will broadcast live around the
world on the community's own 24-hour satellite TV, MTA
International, broadcast on Sky Channel 787.

Members from across the UK will travel to park-and ride sites
near the convention centre where a fleet of buses will escort them
to the convention. A tented village is erected at the East Worldham
site owned by the community and used for the annual event.

"Those attending Jalsa should always try and enhance the
standard of righteousness. We should be grateful to God each moment
by remembering His favours on us. And, by engaging in His
remembrance each moment and by practising His commandment each
moment we should make each fibre of our being grateful to Him."

Rafiq Hayat, National President of Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community UK, said:

"Those coming here do so for their own spiritual advancement.
They listen to speeches about Islam and the life of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to
better understand how religion - all religions in fact - can
provide people with a moral compass in today's world. The
emphasis on integration, good community relations and the
importance of charity and good deeds fosters a real sense of
purpose.

"The occasion is important for building bonds of brotherhood and
for reaffirming our belief that faith and national loyalty are
certainly compatible."

During the convention, from July 22-24, the Khalifa will address
delegates and review the progress the community over the past
year.